She began in spoken word 

she had yet to place on the page 

details pain 

all the seeking 

the unknowing 

the relentless back-&-forthing 

 

& when I attempt seduction

into the arena 

she falls back 

shame & fear overtakes 

 

sending me her poem

declaring 

she’s not willing

to step into the gaze 

of the not-knowing 

seeking answers 

only poetry provokes 

when tensions peak & border on unbearable.